Directed by Dr. Patrick N. Halpin

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Erin LaBrecque

Erin

Ph.D. Candidate

The focus of my Ph.D. research is to determine how frontal zones influence cetacean distributions at multiple spatial and temporal scales. My master’s research investigated the spatial distributions of cetaceans and seabirds in relation to synoptic and dynamic oceanographic and static bathymetric variables. From this research, it was clear that assessing distribution patterns in conjunction with bathymetric and oceanographic variables alone did not provide a complete picture of these distributions; however, it has contributed valuable information about survey design and scale for the development of adaptive marine protected areas (MPA). My Ph.D. work will expand upon this research, will lead to the development of successful cetacean management plans, and add to the growing body of knowledge on adaptive MPA management.